To: Heat Plan Participants
From: Elaine Lawley
Communications Director/Heat Plan Coordinator
County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
Date:
Subject: Heat Plan for 2016
Delaware County Council and COSA work to ensure that all senior citizens in Delaware
County are safe and that they have the resources they need to cope with challenging weather
conditions. Attached is a copy of the Delaware County Heat Plan for 2016. Heat related
handouts are included in the plan and can be duplicated for distribution to consumers and family
members.
The Heat Information Line (610) 872-1558 will go into effect June 1, 2016 through
September 30, 2016. Remind your consumers not to leave messages at this number. Any
questions or heat related needs should be directed to Information and Assistance at 610-4901300.
If you have any questions, please call me at 610-499-1962.
Elaine Lawley
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging
Heat Emergency Plan
2016
1
Table of Contents
Purpose……………………………………………………..…..……3
Criteria for Identifying Persons at Risk…………………….….……3
Heat Plan Coordinator ………………………………….….…..……3
Education Plan
Heat Plan Coordinator…………………………….….……….4
Senior Centers and Adult Day Care Centers……….…………4
Senior Centers and Adult Day Care Centers Responsibilities During
a Heat Crisis……………………………………………….…………4
Long Term Care Services Responsibilities During a Heat Crisis……5
In Home Services ………………………………………..……5
Transportation ……………………………………………….………6
Standard Health Index Crisis Criteria and Responses ………………6
Locations Providing Extended Hours
Senior Centers ………………………………………….……..7
Adult Day Centers…………………………………….……….7, 8
Weekend Hours ……………………………………….………8
Additional Resources………………………………………………...9-10
Reproducible Handouts ……………………………………..……….11-14
Steps to Follow to Prepare for a Possible Weather Emergency……….15
2
Purpose
Persons aged 60 and older are at a greater risk for heat related illnesses during a heat crisis. To
help prevent serious illness due to heat related illnesses, the Delaware County Office of Services of the
Aging (COSA) has developed a heat Emergency Plan and will act as the focal point of their communities
for aging programs and services. This county-based heat wave preparedness plan targets persons aged 60
and older who are considered most at risk for heat related illness. A twenty-four hour emergency heat
information line will be activated during the summer months beginning June 1 through September 30
annually. This information line will provide weekly heat safety tips and reminders, emergency
information and locations where persons can cool off, especially during a heat crisis
Criteria for Identifying Persons at Risk
Persons can be considered at risk if the following conditions exist:
1. Their physical condition makes them less able to handle heat stress which will include
persons with chronic illness and who are over/underweight.
2. They are not able to easily control their environment, which will include dependent person,
urban dwellers, and those who are low income.
3. They are more difficult to reach through ordinary communication channels (lives alone,
homeless, non-English speaking, illiterate, culturally/socially isolated.)
Other risk factors that may be associated with people being at risk of heat related illnesses
include:
1. No air conditioning in the home and/or no time spent in air conditioning outside the home.
2. Failure to reduce activity and/or increase fluid intake during periods of high heat
3. Use of medicines and/alcohol.
4. Living on second or third floor of a non-air conditioned building
Heat Plan Coordinator
The Communications Director will assume the role of coordinator for the heat plan. The
coordinator will work closely with the Information and Assistance staff that will serve as a secondary
contact person. The Coordinator will be responsible for:
 Coordination and updating of the annual heat plan
 Maintaining the emergency heat information line.
 Notifying heat plan participants of significant changes in the heat index status based on
the National Weather Service’s criteria, and provide response information either by fax
transmittal or email
 Assure that responses during a heat crisis are carried out and that the needs of “at risk”
consumers are addressed
 Annually provide the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Emergency Management
Liaison with a copy of the heat plan
 Providing heat intervention updates to the Emergency Management Liaison when
requested during an excessive heat crisis
 Providing written information for consumers as requested.
3
Education Plan –
The Heat Coordinator will:



Disseminate to all COSA sponsored senior centers and adult day care facilities
Information flyers addressing heat related issues and safety interventions.
Provide the local media with community service announcements concerning effects of
heat on the elderly.
Provide community based educational programs and written information on heat safety
issues when requested.
Senior Centers and Adult Day Care Centers
Senior center and adult day care center directors will be responsible for:
 Providing educational sessions throughout the summer months on heat related topics with
a focus on its impact on older adults. Daily reminders are encouraged, especially during
a heat crisis
 Providing daily safety reminders, especially during a heat crisis, to help decrease the risk
of heat related disease.
 Provide informational flyers to their in-home clients to remind them and their caregiver
of heat related issues and safety interventions.
 Maintain pitchers of cold ice water or other non-caffeinated beverages on the tables
throughout the day to reinforce the practice of taking cool liquids frequently to prevent
dehydration.
 Reinforce with homebound drivers the need to check with consumers to ensure they have
adequate cool water available and that their home has adequate ventilation. Drivers are
to report to the meal supervisor any consumers they believe to be at risk.
Senior Centers and Adult Day Care Centers Responsibilities during a Heat
Crisis:
All COSA sponsored senior centers and adult day care centers will participate in the heat plan.
The center director will be responsible for:
 Identifying members who they feel may be at risk, contact them to determine their status,
and help solve problems.
 Reminding caregivers about safety issues involving the heat and the effects of heat on the
elderly
 Determining if extended hours can be provided during a heat crisis at their center.
 Determining if the center will be open with extended hours on an as needed basis
 Notifying consumers who receive home delivered meals of any change in the normal
meal delivery schedule.
4
Long Term Care Services Responsibilities during a Heat Crisis:
Supervisors, counselors, care managers and assessors will:
-Review their caseload to identify consumers identified “at risk” using the following long-term
care criteria as a guide. A consumer will be considered “at risk” if they:
1. Have limited, nonexistent, or inconsistent informal supports
2. Have no phone
3. Are home or bed bound
4. Live alone or with another frail elderly person
5. Have a history of mental or cognitive impairment
6. Have a prior history of problems in the area of inadequate heating or cooling for the
home
7. Have limited financial resources
8. Have health needs that require the utilization of medical equipment using electricity
-A list of “at risk” consumers will be developed and be available at all times to the supervisor
and care manager. This list should be updated at least monthly and should contain the following
consumer information.
1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone number
4. Emergency contact and telephone number
5. Primary Care Physician
-A list of “at risk” consumers will be provided to COSA’s Program Director of Home and
Community Based Services.
In-Home Services
During a heat crisis:
1. The supervisor will communicate any necessary information to the staff throughout the
crisis. It will be the supervisor’s responsibility to assure that consumers are contacted on
the weekend or holiday.
2. The care managers will call their consumers or their emergency contacts on the list to
determine their status and to help solve problems.
3. If a problem is identified which cannot be resolved over the phone, they should contact
COSA’s emergency beeper number or the police, depending on the situation.
COSA
206 Eddystone Avenue
Eddystone, PA 19022
610-490-1300
Senior Community Services
1515 Lansdowne Avenue
Darby, PA 19023
Contact: Claudia Populaire
Program Director of Home and Community Based Services
610-872-1482
After hours contact: 610-490-1300 and listen
for the emergency number
Contact: Trindy Grundy, Director
of Long Term Care
Cell phone: 610-925-3253
After hours contact COSA, 610-490-1300 and
listen for the emergency number.
5
COSA
206 Eddystone Ave.
Eddystone, PA 19022
(610) 490-1300
Contact: Sandra Robinson, Director
Aging Waiver Unit
(610) 490-1846
COSA
206 Eddystone Ave.
Eddystone, PA 19022
610-490-1300
Contact: Joanna Geiger, Director
Assessment Unit
(610) 490-1842
Transportation
Community Transit will provide transportation on the weekend if requested. The
requesting center must notify Community Transit by Friday at 10:00 a.m. Transportation will be
provided on Saturdays only when extended hours are offered.
Standard Heat Index Crisis Criteria and Responses
During periods of prolonged heat, the Heat Plan Coordinator will identify the heat index
stage and notify all participants of the appropriate responses to minimize adverse effects from the
heat via fax transmittal or email. The same notification will be posted on the Heat Emergency
Information line along with heat safety guidelines and other pertinent information for consumers.
The emergency information line can be reached at 610-872-1558, twenty-four hours a
day, and will be in effect from June 1 through September 30. Updates will be provided on a
weekly basis and more frequently during a heat emergency.
Note: All temperatures are based on the heat index listings.
Criteria
Advisory
Stage I – Heat Watch
Stage II – Heat Warning
Stage III
Warning
–
Excessive
Heat
Participant Response
Daytime heat index to reach
105 °F or greater, for less than 3
hours and night lows remain
greater than 80°F, for two
consecutive days

Daytime heat index high of 105°F
is expected for greater than three
hours/day for two consecutive
days, or daytime high expected to
be greater than 115°F for any
length of time


Anytime
exceeded
is


Upon recommendation from the
Heat Task Force members in the
State
Emergency
Operations
Center


above
criteria
6


All participants will
reinforce
educational
components of heat & its
effects on older adults
Encourage hourly fluid
intake or at the discretion
of the physician
Same as above
Encourage use of fans
and air conditioners for
homebound
Encourage dressing in
cool
natural
fiber
clothing
Same as above
Activate extended hours
for participants and Inhome program client
follow-up
Same as above
Implement any state
directed
recommendations
Locations providing Extended Hours During Excessive Heat Warning
Senior Centers
Chester Senior Center
721 Hayes Street
Chester, PA 19013
610-497-3550
Contact: Jamee Nowell
Hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Upper Darby Senior Center
326 Watkins Avenue
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-734-7652
Contact: Michael Maloney
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday
Wayne Senior Center
108 Station Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 688-6246
Contact: Susan Shapiro
Hours: 4p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Adult Day Centers
Senior Care at Crozer
The Alexander Silberman Center
1 Medical Center Blvd.
Upland, PA 19013
610-447-2933 or 2935
Contact: Marquita Thomas
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Every Saturday 9 am- 4pm
Note: Staff should be notified by 3 p.m. of the intent for use to assure center will be open
and staffed
Adult Day Services
3 South State Road
Upper Darby, PA 19083
Phone: 610-352-9945
Contact: Patricia Mello
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday to Friday (Transportation for consumers only)
7
Senior Care of Broomall
1991 S. Sproul Rd, Suite 850
Broomall, PA 19008
Phone: 610-325-1600
Contact: Jill Hill
Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Saturday (when census allows): 8am-4pm
Note: Notify 3 hours in advance of need
Senior Care of Clifton Heights
214 East Baltimore Pike
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
Phone: 610-626-4270
Contact: David Allen
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
One Saturday a month 8a.m.-4p.m.
Main Line Adult Day Center
119 Radnor Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: 610-527-4220
Contact: Pam Barton, Executive Director
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:000 p.m. (M-F)
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Note: Notify 4 hours in advance of need
Locations Providing Weekend Hours
Chester Senior Center
Upper Darby Senior Center
Wayne Senior Center
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday & Sunday
8
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Additional Resources:
2016-17 Department of Human Services
Severe Weather Information for Vulnerable Households
This information contained within explains the expanded services and resources available during times
of extreme heat and severe weather for those who are vulnerable and homeless in Delaware County.
Many of the services described are in place and operational regardless of the temperature, however, in
times of severe heat, overflow shelter beds are made available, service hours are expanded, street
outreach intensifies and well-checks are completed on persons who have are unsheltered, housed
and/or identified as “at risk”.
The Delaware County Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health- Division of Adult and
Family Services and the Division of Mental Health oversee various activities to ensure the safety and
well-being of vulnerable households. The Office of Behavioral Health assures that resources are
available for extreme heat conditions for individuals and families with mental illness, mental illness and
co-occurring drug and alcohol disorders, and the homeless. The Mental Health Division provides a
Summer Cooling Program for persons with mental illness and mental illness and co-occurring drug and
alcohol disorders who are registered in the public mental health system. Case managers or other
support staff can access fans for the individuals and families that they serve by contacting Providence
House at 610-876-2403. In addition, the Adult Services Division also assures that homeless individuals
and families have access to expanded street outreach, emergency shelter beds, and day center facilities
in Chester and Upper Darby. These resources provide air conditioned environments and access to fluids
to prevent heat exhaustion, stroke, and dehydration during periods of extreme heat.
Shelters & Over Flow Beds - The following shelter programs offer overflow beds during times of
extreme heat.
Shelter Program
Location & Contact Information
Population
Connect-by-Night –
Church-based
mobile shelter
program
7200 Chestnut Street
Rear Entrance, Upper Darby – Overflow
beds may be available prior to 10:00 PM
each evening (Site dependent). All
referrals after 10:00 PM must go to the
Life Center.
6310 Market Street, Upper Darby
After 10:00 PM, the Life Center accepts
drops offs and walk-ins. Two additional
beds are reserved for police placements.
151 W. 15th Street, Chester
610-874-0423
Voucher based for vulnerable households
Only
610-874-8451-intake and overnight and
weekend answering service.
Single Adults
Life Center of
Eastern Delaware
County
Salvation Army
Community Action
Agency Temporary
Emergency Shelter
Program
9
Single
Adults
Single
Adults
Vulnerable
families & single
adults
# Yearround
Beds
Overflo
w Beds
50
3
50
13
35
N/A
5
As
needed
Storm Alerts - In situations of extreme conditions or an approaching storm, the Division of Adult &
Family Services electronically alerts all shelter programs to prepare for power outages, food needs,
overflow capacity and expanded hours if needed.
Outreach - The goal of Outreach is to locate homeless persons and bring them into safety at a day
center facility by offering expanded service hours; programs can ensure that the vulnerable population
is safe. Outreach efforts are mobilized by the three outreach programs in the county that target areas
where homeless people are known to be. Outreach efforts may be expanded in time and locations in
hopes of locating and engaging the folks to come in from the extreme conditions.
Reproducible Handouts
The following handouts are attached and can be duplicated for distribution to your
consumer and their families;
 Heat Stress Fact Sheet
 Don’t Risk Becoming Dehydrated
 Heat Safety Tips to Help You Survive the Heat
 Fan Facts
10
Heat Safety Tips to Help You Survive the Heat
During periods of prolonged heat, the elderly and persons with chronic health conditions are
usually the first to be affected by the heat. The following are some preventative tips that can
help you cope with the heat:

Dress appropriately by wearing lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing.

Stay indoors in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. If you do not have air
conditioning, you can seek relief for some part of the day at a local senior center, a mall,
a library, and a movie theater, of visit family who have air conditioning.

If using a fan to keep cool, a window should be kept open to allow the hot air to escape.
Keep blinds and curtains drawn and spend as much time as possible on the first floor of
their home.

Protect skin and eyes by using sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
when outdoors.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activities, especially outdoor activities, during the hottest
part of the day (noon – 4 p.m.). If you must be active, you should take frequent rests in a
cool place and drink plenty of fluids.

Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Avoid
alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

Eat small light meals. Avoid hot meals. Eat several small, light meals throughout the
day

Take cool baths or showers. Cool water temperature cools your body 25 times faster than
cool air.

If the following signs are experienced, you should call a doctor or seek medical help
immediately: fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dry skin, rapid heartbeat and cramps.
Prepared by the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging
610-490-1300
11
Don’t Risk
Becoming Dehydrated …
Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much water or you drink
too little liquid
During the hot summer days, it is important to drink plenty of
liquids. The recommended amount is 8-12 glasses unless your physician has
instructed you otherwise.
Alcohol and caffeine containing beverages (coffee, tea, soda), which act as a
diuretic (removing body fluid), so they should be avoided in extreme heat.
NO
NO
NO
Thirst indicates you are dehydrated
Common warning signs that may indicate you are dehydrated are:









headache (the most common symptom)
dry Skin
dry mouth and tongue
nausea
diarrhea
weight loss
low blood pressure (sometimes)
fast heart beat
disorientation (in extreme cases)
With adequate intake of fluids, symptoms should be relieved. If symptoms continue call your
physician
12
FAN FACTS
DO –
 Do use your fan in or next to a window. Box fans are best.
 Do use a fan to bring in the cooler air from the outside
 Do use your fan by plugging it directly into the wall outlet. If you
need an extension cord, the extension cord should be UL
(Underwriters Laboratories) approved.
DON’T –
 Don’t use a fan in a closed room without windows or doors open
to the outside
 Don’t believe that fans cool air. They don’t. They just move the
air around. The fans keep you cool by evaporating your sweat.
 Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself. This can
cause heat exhaustion to occur more rapidly.
If you’re afraid to open your window to use a fan, choose other
ways to keep cool such as taking a cool shower or bath, or going to
a senior center, library or mall.
For more information or help, see your Center Director, Care Manager or contact
COSA at 610-490-1300
Prepared by Communications Director, County Office of Services for the Aging
13
Heat Stress Fact Sheet
What: Heat stress is an illness caused by heat
Where: Outdoors – in the sun
Indoors – Hot rooms
When: Temperatures - 90°F
or higher
Humidity above 60%
Who’s at risk: Persons with chronic problems:
Heart or kidney failure Diarrhea
Recent or past stroke
High blood pressure
Infection or Fever
Drinking alcohol
Some Medications
Reduced sweating
Overweight or underweight
Diabetes
Mild & Moderate Warning Signs
Serious Signs
Throbbing headache
Mild:
Decreased energy
Mental confusion
Slight loss of appetite, nausea
Irritability, combativeness
Lightheadedness
Rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing
Dry Skin (no sweating)
Moderate:
Heavy sweating, thirst, faintness,
Vomiting, diarrhea
giddiness, headache, confusion
Muscle Cramps, staggering
Treatment
Treatment
Get person into cool place
Give more fluids to drink
Remove excess clothing
Rest
Call 9-1-1
This is a medical
emergency
How to Reduce your Risk
 Drink plenty of water
 Wear light colored, lightweight, loose clothing (cotton/synthetic blends are
best)
 Wear a wide-brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade
 Spend time in air-conditioned areas (senior center, mall)
 Take extra cool baths and showers, and sprinkle yourself with water
 Keep windows open
 Use insulated drapes; keep blinds/shades closed during daylight hours
 Use fan, but only when there is cool air blowing
 Don’t engage in vigorous activity in the heat of the day
 Don’t travel outside in the heat of the day
 Don’t wear dark, nylon clothing that is tight
 Don’t drink alcohol or beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
 Don’t eat hot, heavy foods
 Don’t increase salt or potassium intake or take salt tablets without doctor’s
okay
 Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself
14
Steps to follow to prepare for a possible weather emergency:








Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance
thermometer will indicate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer in case of a
power outage and help determine the safety of the food.
Make sure the freezer is at or below 0° F and the refrigerator is at or below 40° F.
Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator
or coolers after the power is out.
Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry that you
may not need immediately - this helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.
Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in
case of flooding.
Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more
than four hours. Purchase or make ice cubes and store in the freezer for use in the
refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
Group food together in the freezer - this helps the food stay cold longer.
Steps to follow after the weather emergency:












Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the
cold temperature.
The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full
freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full
and the door remains closed.)
Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40° F or below.
Never taste a food to determine its safety!
Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the
power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice
should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for 2 days.
If the power has been out for several days, check the temperature of the freezer
with an appliance thermometer or food thermometer. If the food still contains ice
crystals or is at 40° F or below, the food is safe.
If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to
determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe.
Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk,
eggs, leftovers and deli items after 4 hours without power.
Drink only bottled water if flooding has occurred.
Discard all food that came in contact with floodwaters including canned goods.
Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.
Thoroughly wash all metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils that came in contact
with flood water with hot soapy water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or
by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach per
quart of water.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out!
For additional information of food safety during an emergency, call the toll-free
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854); for the
hearing-impaired (TYY) 1-800-256-7072.
15